MacRumors has spent the past several months publishing a detailed series of guides and how-to articles covering the design changes and new features in Apple’s latest software updates.
iOS 26 Mega Guide
The iOS 26 Mega Guide brings together all of MacRumors’ coverage in one place. It’s designed as a complete reference for iPhone and iPad users—whether you’re upgrading to iOS 26 for the first time or just want a quick recap of what’s new. The guide is organized by app and feature, making it easy to find specific topics.
Liquid Glass Design
iOS 26 introduces Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language, which affects nearly every part of the system.
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Translucent, glass-like UI elements
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Redesigned icons, menus, and navigation bars
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Collapsing headers and pop-out menus
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More rounded, fluid interface design
Related guides:
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Everything you need to know about Liquid Glass redesign
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How to reduce transparency for better readability
Lock Screen
The Lock Screen gets a major visual update with Liquid Glass styling applied to the clock and widgets.
New features include:
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Updated clock styles
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New widget placement options
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Spatial 3D photo effects for wallpapers
Guides include customization tips for resizing the clock, moving widgets, and enabling spatial scenes.
Home Screen
The Home Screen receives a refreshed design system with expanded customization options:
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Clear or tinted app icons
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Matching icon colors to iPhone or case
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Updated wallpapers and widget styles
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Easier addition of web apps and bookmarks
Apple Intelligence
While Apple Intelligence updates were less heavily promoted, iOS 26 still introduces several notable additions:
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Live Translation for messages and calls
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On-screen Visual Intelligence improvements
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Wallet purchase tracking enhancements
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Image Playground updates
Supported on iPhone 15 Pro and later, including all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 models.
Messages
The Messages app gains several new tools for communication and personalization:
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Custom chat backgrounds (visible to all participants)
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Polls in group chats
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Live Translation support
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Improved message filtering and selective text copying
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Typing indicators and smarter group chat behavior
Phone
The Phone app receives some of the most significant updates in iOS 26:
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Call Screening for unknown numbers
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Hold Assist that waits on calls for you
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Callback reminders for missed calls
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Real-time call translation
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Updated ringtone and layout options
AirPods
AirPods gain new functionality through updated firmware:
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Live Translation for in-person conversations
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Sleep-based auto-pausing
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Camera remote control features
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Improved continuity with iPhone and Mac
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Using AirPods as a video recording microphone
Safari
Safari gets both design and functionality updates:
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Liquid Glass interface redesign
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Updated tab bar and layout changes
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New privacy enhancements
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Option to restore older layout styles
Apple Maps
Maps becomes more predictive and personalized:
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Learns preferred routes for commuting
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Alerts for delays or disruptions
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Location history tracking for travel recall
Notes & Reminders
Productivity apps also gain quiet but useful upgrades:
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Smart Apple Intelligence suggestions in Reminders
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Improved Notes support, including advanced content and formatting tools
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Easier import/export options
Camera
The Camera app sees a major UI redesign:
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Updated mode switching interface
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Simplified settings access
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Better workflow for capturing photos and video
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AirPods integration for remote capture
FaceTime
FaceTime adds new communication and safety features:
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Redesigned interface layout
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Call filtering and screening options
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Sensitive content warnings
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Live Translation captions
Apple Music
Music gets more dynamic playback and language features:
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AutoMix for seamless song transitions
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Lyric translation and pronunciation tools
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Improved playlist organization tools
Photos
Photos is redesigned again for clarity and separation:
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Library and Collections split into separate tabs
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Support for Spatial Scenes (3D photo effects)
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Improved navigation and organization
Podcasts
Podcasts adds a more modern playback experience:
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Liquid Glass interface updates
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Improved speed controls
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Better dialogue clarity features
Wallet
Wallet becomes more powerful and travel-focused:
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Digital passport support
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Improved boarding pass features
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Order tracking from emails
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New card management tools
Other Notable Features
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HDR screen capture support
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Adaptive Power Mode for battery efficiency
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Custom alarm snooze duration
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Ambient sound and distraction control tools
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New Games app integration
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Improved charging time estimates
Final Note
iOS 26 is not defined by a single headline feature, but by hundreds of refinements across the system. From the Liquid Glass redesign to smarter apps and deeper Apple Intelligence integration, the update focuses on making everyday iPhone use more flexible, personalized, and capable.
For full details, MacRumors’ iOS 26 roundup provides a complete reference of all changes and smaller improvements.